Lidl pledged to increase its environmental standards of its British fresh produce via the LEAF Marque environmental assurance scheme.
As a result, the move will see the discount retailer’s entire fresh produce achieving LEAF Marque certification by the end of 2023.
LEAF Marque is a leading global environmental assurance system, run by global farming organisation LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), recognising more sustainably farmed products.
Certified businesses currently operate in 21 countries worldwide, delivering more regenerative and nature-based farming through implementing regenerative farming practices, sustainable soil and water management and reducing carbon emissions through greater energy efficiency.
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“New patterns of production and consumption are emerging across Great Britain, reflecting global geopolitical uncertainty, resource availability and consumer preferences,” Lidl GB head of responsible sourcing and ethical trade Amali Bunter said,
“As a leading food retailer, we recognise the demand we place on our agricultural resources and the influence we have on our suppliers’ practices.”
The move builds on Lidl’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions across its supply chain.
Bunter added: “Our partnership with LEAF builds on the ambitions of our sustainability strategy ‘to Make Good Food Accessible to Everyone; which sets out clear goals around reducing carbon emissions across our supply chains, minimising food loss from farm to fork, supporting more circular farming systems which protect and enhance our precious ecosystems and sourcing all our products in a way that respects the environment.
The news comes as Lidl reported a 2.6% increase in total sales year-on-year in the four weeks to 26 December 2021, attributing customers switching from other grocers to the increase.
The discount retailer, owned by Schwarz group, also revealed a 21% increase in sales versus 2019, before the pandemic and lockdown restrictions started impact trading.
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